As the NEW Associates plan to inaugurate its Bayelsa Chapter and hold a mega rally to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsans into key positions in his administration, leader of the group, Barr. Alabh George Turnah, has assured members and stakeholders of a peaceful, well-coordinated event.
Turnah gave the assurance while speaking with members of the NEW Associates in Yenagoa, emphasizing the importance of political alignment and responsibility.
“In politics, you must take a stance. Leadership and followership are essential ingredients in the political space.
“Politics is about interest. It’s an investment. And like any investor, the expectation is a return,” said Turnah who is also a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
He pointed out that election outcomes are a collective reflection of party efforts, and not individual aspirations as some persons erroneously think.
In the words of Turnah: “It is the party that contests elections, and if we campaign, canvass, and win, it should benefit all of us.
“But where the victory turns into a personal fiefdom – ‘I, myself, and I’ – then the essence of party politics is lost.”
He described the NEW Associates as more than just a political group, but a movement grounded in ideology and values.
“The NEW Associates is a political family under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON.
“Everyone has the right to make a choice. Just like salvation, political decisions are personal. And I take full responsibility for the choices I’ve made, in 2019, 2023, and beyond, without regrets.
“In 2019, some of us made bold decisions that didn’t favour everyone, but we stood our ground.
Even when it was said that a goat with a blindfold could stand election against certain individuals, we made our choices and we moved on,” he said.
He expressed firm belief in the political philosophy of Wike, insisting that it is a school of thought driven by vision, inclusion, and youth development.
Turnah introduced the term Wikeism, defining it as a value system that transcends party lines and focuses on national unity.
He clarified that “The NEW Associates is a national platform that welcomes all well-meaning Nigerians, whether PDP, APC, or others.
“The goal is continuity and consolidation of governance, particularly under the current Southern Presidency, which is yet to complete its first term. We must resist divisive rhetoric disguised as coalitions.”
Turnah lauded President Tinubu’s administration for appointing worthy Bayelsans into strategic positions.
He singled out Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the MD/CEO of the NDDC, whose leadership, he believes, has “significantly transformed the face of the Niger Delta.”
He stated that the mega rally scheduled for Saturday, April 26, will serve as an expression of gratitude from the Ijaw nation.
According to him, “We’ve cooperated fully with security agencies. Our mobilization strategy is structured. We’ve narrowed down to specific groups, local governments, and associations. Every participant can be traced to the person who mobilized them.”
While warning against any sponsored infiltration, Turnah stated that anybody who causes disruption would be identified and held accountable.
“If anyone creates chaos, claiming to be part of us, we will know they’re from the other side. And whatever they do to us that day, we will return in kind, until they leave office. The only thing we will not disrupt are state functions,” he said.
While lamenting the alleged absence of sustainable platforms in Bayelsa to connect citizens with opportunities, Turnah said his group will serve as “a corrective initiative.”
He further said ““There are no permanent enemies or friends in politics, only permanent interests. Let’s work together and support the leaders who prioritize our collective future.”
